Metabolic Surgery: Paradigm Shift in Metabolic Syndrome/Diabetes Therapy.

Background: Obesity and metabolic disorders as type 2 diabetes (T2D), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or better called metabolic dysfunction fatty liver disease (MAFLD), arterial hypertension (AHT), and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) show a rising prevalence. The increased cardiovascular risk is one of the main causes for death of obese, metabolic ill patients. Sustainable and efficient therapeutic options are needed. Summary: Metabolic surgery not only permits a substantial and lasting weight loss but also ameliorates metabolic co-morbidities and reduces cardiovascular risk and mortality of obese patients. Most existing data focused on T2D, but evidence for other metabolic co-morbidities such as NAFLD, AHT, and OSAS increase constantly. After metabolic surgery, glycemic control of diabetic patients is superior compared to conservative treatment. Also, diabetes related micro- and macrovascular complications are reduced after surgery, and the median life expectancy is over 9 years longer. In patients with MAFLD, metabolic surgery leads to reduction of steatosis and fibrosis while the risk to develop a hepatocellular carcinoma is reduced significantly. Patients with OSAS have an improved lung function and continuous pressure airway treatment during the night is unnecessary in many patients. Patients with AHT need significantly less or even no antihypertensive medication after surgery and the hazard ratio of death is reduced by 49.2%. Therefore, the focus in treating obese and metabolic ill patients is no longer on pure weight loss but on improvement of co-morbidities and reduction of mortality. This is reflected by the updated S3-guidelines of 2018 that provide nationally established consistent guidelines with clear indications for metabolic surgery no longer focusing on body mass index (BMI) only. This article aims to give an overview over the existing literature concerning surgical treatment options for metabolic syndrome. Key Messages: Metabolic co-morbidities impact life-quality and life expectancy of obese patients. Metabolic surgery offers the chance to treat those metabolic co-morbidities independently of the preoperative BMI and should be considered early as a treatment option for obese patients.

International survey evaluating treatment of primary superficial skin abscesses.

INTRODUCTION: Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) present regularly as cutaneous abscesses which require surgical drainage. These abscesses often affect younger patients and interfere with their independency substantially. Existing guidelines display heterogeneous recommendations concerning surgical aftercare. Primary aim of this survey was to present a nomogram for standard abscess therapy based on international expert opinions. METHOD: An online survey dealing with standard of care protocols for cutaneous abscesses concerning surgical treatment and aftercare was created. The survey was conducted in 2017 during two international conferences held in Switzerland. RESULT: 490 surgeons originating from 66 nations participated in this survey with the majority coming from Europe and Asia. Indication for surgery, operation type, and wound rinsing were answered homogeneously. Perioperative setting (45% sterile, 55% semi-sterile), anesthesia (45% local, 55% general), antibiotic therapy (38% always, 35% never, 27% other), irrigation fluid (54% sterile, 32% non-sterile, 14% antiseptic), irrigation frequency (55% once daily, 30% twice daily), and wound dressing (69% packing, 31% coverage) were heterogeneously answered topics. CONCLUSION: Treatment and aftercare of simple primary skin abscesses are processed heterogeneously throughout the world. Focus should be on optimal patient focused treatment with minimal socio-economic impact. Future studies should focus on the validation of the different postoperative treatment options with the aim to develop a socio-economically accepted algorithm.

Swiss chocolate and free beverages to increase the motivation for scientific work amongst residents: a prospective interventional study in a non-academic teaching hospital in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: The success of a clinical trial depends on its recruitment of eligible patients; therefore, the recruitment period requires special attention. We hypothesized that with a new approach focused on continuous information and gratification, resident motivation to participate in scientific work will increase and recruitment rates will improve. METHODS: Our new recruitment approach was applied to the recruitment phase of two prospective randomized trials (registered at the German Clinical Trials Register). Randomization of these trials was performed first using blinded envelopes; later a soft drink machine was used as the delivery tool of randomization as a lighthearted motivation to join scientific work and to reward the resident with free soft drinks for each recruitment. Residents were informed about the trial via a lecture and by mail. To increase interest everyone received Swiss chocolate. With a multiple choice survey we investigated the success of our actions at 6 and 12 months. Recruitment rates of the trials were evaluated and associated with the motivational approaches. RESULTS: Our residents rated their awareness of the trials with median 9 (IQR 7;9) during the first and 8 (IQR 5;9) during the second survey and their interest in scientific work with median 7 (IQR 4;8) and 6 (IQR 5;8). The percentage of residents feeling highly motivated improved from 58% to 70%. The recruitment rates stayed stably high over time with 73% and 72% in trial 1 and 90% and 85% in trial 2; 24% of residents stated their motivation could be increased by gratifications. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of our new recruitment approach we found positively motivated residents and high recruitment rates in the corresponding trials. We propose this procedure may help to ensure the successful initiation of clinical trials. Larger studies testing this approach are warranted.

The sucked surgical sponge: Rare case of Gossypiboma after vaginal hysterectomy.

Retained surgical material needs to be a possible differential diagnosis for patients presenting with unspecific abdominal pain after especially cavitary emergency surgery. Even though international standard checklists concerning sponge handling and counting exist, RSM could never be ruled out completely.

Safety and Effectiveness of Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients Under Ongoing Oral Anticoagulation with Coumarins or Antiplatelet Drug Therapy Compared to Patients Without Anticoagulation/Antiplatelet Therapy.

Objective: To determine whether transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is safe and effective in patients under ongoing therapeutic oral anticoagulation (OAC) or antiplatelet drug (APD) therapy. Patients and Methods: We analyzed data on 276 consecutive TURP patients under ongoing APD therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (n = 130) or clopidogrel (n = 16) or ongoing OAC with phenprocoumon (n = 57), without stopping or bridging the medication, compared to 73 TURP patients without APD/OAC. Results: Outcomes of patients under acetylsalicylic acid were comparable to the controls. Under ongoing OAC therapy TURP patients tended to need slightly longer bladder irrigation (median 24 hours vs 22 hours, p = 0.06), needed longer transurethral catheterization (median 42 hours vs 24 hours, p = 0.031), were threefold more likely to have postoperative urinary retention (18% vs 6%, p = 0.04), had slightly longer hospital stays (median 4 days vs 3 days, p = 0.008), and tended to need more blood transfusions (9% vs 1%, p = 0.09), compared to controls. TURP patients under ongoing APD therapy with clopidogrel needed slightly longer bladder irrigation (median 24 hours vs 22 hours, p = 0.006), received more blood transfusions (19% vs 1%, p = 0.017), and had more rehospitalizations (19% vs 3%, p = 0.039). The significant functional improvement 1, 3, and 12 months after TURP was similar in all groups. Conclusions: Ongoing APD therapy with acetylsalicylic acid does not significantly impact TURP outcomes in terms of bleeding complications. Patients under ongoing therapeutic OAC with phenprocoumon or APD with clopidogrel can safely undergo TURP with an increased risk of bleeding complications, blood transfusions, and longer hospitalization.

Are Routine Radiographs Needed the Day After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Surgery for Distal Radius and Ankle Fractures: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Open Label, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius and ankle fractures are one of the most common operatively treated fractures. To date, there is no consensus concerning the need for a standard postoperative radiograph. This leads to undesirable practice variations. A standardized radiograph in the department of radiology would theoretically be more reproducible and operator independent than an intraoperatively obtained fluoroscopic image. However, if adequate intraoperative radiographs have been obtained, it is questionable if these postoperative radiographs are necessary and will lead to changes in the treatment strategy. If standard postoperative radiographs are no longer required, this would lead to a reduction in radiation exposure and health care costs. The hypothesis is that routine standardized postoperative radiographs do not influence the quality of care for patients operated on for either a distal radius or an ankle fracture if adequate intraoperative standardized radiographs have been obtained. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate if there is a need for routine postoperative radiographs after an osteosynthesis of a distal radius or ankle fracture. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized controlled, open label trial based on a noninferiority design, we will enroll 332 patients. Patients will be randomized either in the control or the intervention group. The control group will be treated according to our current, standard protocol in which all patients receive a standard anterior-posterior and lateral radiograph on the first postoperative day. Patients randomized to the intervention group will be treated without a standard postoperative radiograph. All patients (N=332) will have a routine clinical and radiographic control after 6 weeks in the outpatient clinic. Primary outcome is a change in treatment plan, defined as either additional imaging or a reoperation based on the postoperative imaging. Secondary outcome measures include a 36-Item Short Form Survey, Patient-Rated Wrist Hand Evaluation, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, Visual Analogue Scale, and the range of motion. Those questionnaires will be filled out at the 6-week outpatient control. RESULTS: The trial was started in August 2016, and 104 patients have been enrolled up to this point. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will be reported in peer-reviewed publications and may lead to a strong reduction in radiation exposure and health care costs. A preliminary, conservative estimation suggests a yearly cost saving of CHF 1.3 million in Switzerland.

Simple Wound Irrigation in the Postoperative Treatment for Surgically Drained Spontaneous Soft Tissue Abscesses: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Skin abscesses are a frequent encountered health care problem and lead to a significant source of morbidity. They consequently have an essential impact on the quality of life and work. To date, the type of aftercare for surgically drained abscesses remains under debate. This leads to undesirable practice variations. Many clinical standard protocols include sterile wound dressings twice a day by a home-care service to reduce the chance of a recurrent wound infection. It is unknown, however, whether reinfection rates are comparable to adequate wound irrigation with a nonsterile solution performed by the patient. Our hypothesis is that simple wound irrigation with nonsterile water for postoperative wound care after an abscess is surgically drained is feasible. We assume that in terms of reinfection and reintervention rates unsterile wound irrigation is equal to sterile wound irrigation. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is therefore to investigate if there is a need for sterile wound irrigation after surgically drained spontaneous skin abscesses. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized controlled, single-blinded, single-center trial based on a noninferiority design, we will enroll 128 patients randomized to either the control or the intervention group. The control group will be treated according to our current, standard protocol in which all patients receive a sterile wound irrigation performed by a home-care service twice a day. Patients randomized to the intervention group will be treated with a nonsterile wound irrigation (shower) twice a day. All patients will have a routine clinical control visit after 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks in the outpatient clinic. Primary outcome is the reinfection and reoperation rate due to insufficient wound healing diagnosed either at the outpatient control visit or during general practitioner visits. Secondary outcome measures include a Short Form Health Survey, Visual Analog Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, and the EurolQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire. Those questionnaires will be completed at the outpatient control visits. RESULTS: The trial was started in June 2016 and enrolled 50 patients by article publication. Regarding the adherence to our protocol, we found 10% of loss to follow-up until now. Only 2 patients needed reoperation and only 1 patient needed a change of treatment (antiseptic therapy). Most patients are happy with their randomized treatment but as expected some patients in the sterile group complained about timing problems with their working hours and home-care service appointments. Most patients in the nonsterile group are satisfied being able to take care of their wounds independently although some patients still depend on the home-care service for the wound dressing. We are hoping to have enrolled enough patients by summer 2017. The follow-up will take until autumn 2017, and study results are expected to be published by the end of 2017. This trial is solely supported by the cantonal hospital of Lucerne. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsterile wound irrigation is more likely to be carried out independently by the patient than sterile wound irrigation. Therefore, if nonsterile wound care shows comparable results in terms of reinfection and reintervention rates, patient independence in the aftercare of surgically drained abscesses will increase, patients can return to work earlier, and health care costs can be reduced. In a preliminary, conservative estimation of health care costs, an annual savings of 300,000 CHF will be achieved in our hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00010418; https://drks-neu.uniklinik-freiburg.de/ drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010418 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6q0AXp5EX).

The Watertightness of the Anastomosis After Laparoscopic or Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty: Is a Drainage Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not temporary drainage is necessary immediately following laparoscopic (lap) and robot-assisted (rob) pyeloplasty (PP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 99 patients undergoing lap PP (n = 23) or rob PP (n = 76) for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), 52 had no drainage, 47 were given an "easy-flow" drain (EFD). The volume of leaking urine (in mL) was defined as the volume of drainage fluid (in mL) × creatinine concentration in drainage fluid (in µmol/mL)/median urine creatinine concentration (in µmol/mL). An anastomosis was considered to be leaking if the volume of leaking urine exceeded 5 mL/24 hours. During follow-up the PP success rate was evaluated based on clinical symptoms, intravenous urography and diuretic renography for detection of persisting obstruction. RESULTS: Median creatinine concentration in drainage fluid was 90 µmol/L (range 44-6270 µmol/L) in a median volume of 84 mL (range 5-1400 mL) drained fluid in 24 hours. The median leaking urine volume was 1.18 mL (range 0.07-291.34 mL), a leaking anastomosis was diagnosed in 5/47 (11%) patients. In patients with EFD and without EFD, complications occurred in 15% and 8% (p = 0.342), respectively, with success rates of 98% and 100% (p = 0.475). Complications (Clavien I-III) occurred in 4/42 (9.5%) patients with watertight and in 3/5 (60%) patients with leaking anastomosis (p = 0.019). No statistically significant differences were noted between lap PP and rob PP patients regarding complication and success rates. CONCLUSION: Lap PP and rob PP were primary watertight in 89% of all patients. A primary leaking anastomosis had no influence on PP outcome, but was associated with a higher risk of complications. However, neither the success rate nor the complication rate differed between drained and undrained patients. We conclude, therefore, that drainage is not necessary.